Yoshinoya America is building on its momentum of four consecutive years of same store sales growth of +5% by welcoming new leadership. Jim Stevens has been named Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the company, effective immediately.
In this newly created role, Stevens will work closely with the senior level team on the company’s overall strategy and execution. Stevens will oversee, develop and set direction for operations as the company continues to remodel its existing store base as well as open new locations. Stevens will report to the CEO of Yoshinoya America, Dar Vasseghi.
Stevens has nearly three decades of experience in all aspects of QSR management and joins Yoshinoya from Checkers Drive in Restaurants / Rally’s where he was on the Executive Team as Ops Leader and led the turnaround of the brand. Stevens started his career at Yum Brands in 1992 and he has worked his way up through multiple management positions including VP Operations at Arby’s and COO at Captain D’s.
“We are thrilled to have Jim Stevens fill this important role as we accelerate our growth and remodel existing stores,” said Dar Vasseghi, CEO of Yoshinoya. “A big part of our future success will come from improving store operations. Stevens is a seasoned and trusted Operations leader who along with our existing management team will help Yoshinoya continue to deliver positive results.”
Yoshinoya has recorded four years of continuous annual same store sales growth through both higher average check and steady increases in transactions. Yoshinoya has also recently embarked on an aggressive remodeling of company locations to a warmer, more contemporary look by the end of 2018. “I have tremendous confidence in Jim’s ability to align our strategy with industry-leading operational practices to drive the next phase of Yoshinoya’s market leadership,” says Dar Vasseghi.
“I am excited to take on this role and look forward to partnering with our talented senior leadership team to deliver on our 2020 Vision. Each of Yoshinoya’s stores has enormous potential to deepen our relationship with our guests. I am incredibly energized to help lead the company into its next phase of innovation and operational excellence,” said Stevens.
An Arizona native, Stevens is a graduate of the notable W.A. Franke College of Business at Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor of Science in Hotel & Restaurant Management. An avid Ironman athlete, he has competed at one of the most challenging triathlons in Kona, HI and is currently a member of TEAM USA for the Duathlon and Aquathlon. He has recently relocated to Torrance, CA where he resides with his wife and two English bulldogs.
Fresh, wholesome Japanese-style cuisine is the essence of the Yoshinoya Japanese Kitchen menu. Dating back to 1899 with the opening of its first restaurant in Tokyo, Japan, Yoshinoya is among the oldest quick-service restaurant chains in operation. Throughout its century of experience, Yoshinoya continues to grow aggressively while operating or franchising more than 1,833 restaurants in Japan, Mainland China, Shanghai, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Philippines and the United States. The Yoshinoya Japanese Kitchen menu is based on fresh ingredients served in a variety of rice bowls, including the original Beef Bowl© that started it all in 1899. Yoshinoya has more than 100+ restaurants in California with plans for expansion through additional company restaurants. For more information, visit http://www.YoshinoyaAmerica.com.
